As a long-time fan of Ray Stevens, I have always appreciated his unique sense of humor and storytelling through his music. One song that has always stood out to me is “Deerslayer” from his 2000 album “Ear Candy.” This comedic tune tells the hilarious tale of a man’s encounter with a deer while driving late at night. Today, I want to explore the meaning behind this song and its lyrics.

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A Funny and Unexpected Encounter

The song begins with the protagonist driving home when he stops to use a roadside phone. Little does he know that this simple act will soon turn into a bizarre and unforgettable experience. Out of the mist and fog, a deer comes running, being chased by a pack of dogs. In an unfortunate turn of events, the deer collides with the side of the protagonist’s Cadillac, leaving him stunned.

The lyrics depict the shock of the situation, with lines like “Well, it cracked like thunder when he banged his head, the deer fell over and I thought he’s dead.” At this moment, the protagonist sees an opportunity for a tasty meal, thinking about making venison stew from the deer.

An Unpredictable Turn of Events

Just when the protagonist thinks the ordeal is over, the deer suddenly comes back to life. Chaos ensues as the deer wreaks havoc inside the Cadillac, breaking windows, smashing doors, and even leaving an unpleasant surprise on the floor. The situation intensifies when the deer jumps into the front seat and begins stomping on the protagonist’s back.

Desperate to escape the chaos, the protagonist abandons the deer in the car and rushes to call 911. However, he soon realizes that the pack of dogs might be returning, adding even more urgency to his predicament.

A Helpful Hound and an Unexpected Twist

The song takes a comedic turn as a big old hound, leading the pack of dogs, confronts the protagonist. With the deer’s antlers sticking out of the sunroof, the protagonist attempts to climb a telephone booth while the hound nips at his heels. In this moment of panic, the protagonist calls for the police, desperately seeking help.

Thankfully, the police arrive and handle the situation. However, they find the protagonist’s possession of the deer perplexing, as it is out of season. This leads to a final twist, as the protagonist explains that he was taking the deer to the vet for medical attention. The judge gives him a warning, threatening stricter consequences if he repeats this peculiar behavior.

The Aftermath

The song concludes with the repercussions of the encounter. The protagonist’s Cadillac is left in ruins, his body covered in hoof prints and dog bites. His wife abandons him, and he finds himself alone in a jail cell. Reflecting on his misadventure, he vows to never eat roadkill again. Humorously, he expresses his preference for chicken noodle soup or BBQ over venison stew.

Through its funny and unexpected narrative, “Deerslayer” showcases Ray Stevens’ talent for storytelling and comedic timing. It reminds us to expect the unexpected and find humor even in the most peculiar situations.

Overall, “Deerslayer” is a lighthearted and entertaining song that continues to bring a smile to the faces of Ray Stevens fans. Its catchy tune and amusing lyrics make it a memorable addition to his discography.